Shimla: In the wake of increase in cases of crime against women, the Union Home Ministry has approved the plan of opening an Anti-human Trafficking Unit in Himachal Pradesh.

The unit would be responsible for checking human trafficking and crime against weaker sections of society, especially cases of sexual harassment against women. Investigation of cases involving lost women and children will also be part of its responsibility.

In the first phase, its unit will be set up in six districts including Shimla, Kangra, Solan, Sirmaur, Kullu and Chamba as maximum number of lost cases are registered in these areas of the state.

Prithvi Raj, IG (Crime), confirmed the development. “The Union Home Ministry has approved anti-human trafficking unit in the state. Shimla and Kangra units have been formed and have also started working,” he said.

At the state level, the IG (crime) would be the nodal officer while DSP (headquarters) would be the nodal officer of the unit at the district level.

One unit would comprise of an inspector, two sub-inspector, two constables and two head constables. In addition, a woman of an NGO will also be a part of the unit.

The Union Home Ministry has decided to provide a motorcycle, video camera, furniture and other necessary materials to every unit in the state.